2018 Irish Enterprise Award

20 EU BUSINESS NEWS / 2018 Irish Enterprise Awards , Autism Support Advisory of the Year 2018 Autism Ireland is aWestmeath, Ireland based organisation supporting those with autismand their families throughout the country. We invited Niall Murphy to tell us more. Established in in 2001 to bring positive change into the lives of those affected by autism, Autism Ireland provides a range of services including raising awareness, information on education and intervention support, advocacy, counselling, home based support, research information and advice for families. Niall discusses the firm’s goals and how it works towards achieving these. “Here at Autism Ireland, our mission is to raise the quality of life of individuals and their families affected by autism through ensuring the provision of highest standards in education, care, support, employment and equality of living opportunities in partnership with families. Help us to be a voice for those who have none. In 2017, we produced our 5 Point Vision Plan which builds on particular strengths within our organisation and recognizes the longer-term policy needs that require effective national advocacy. In the short term, we apply our skills to developing the Autism Friendly Programme and the Helpline. The Helpline in turn, embraces both our outreach and advocacy activities.” Looking ahead, Autism Ireland has a five point plan to drive even greater awareness and support more families, as Niall explains in his concluding comments. “Considering the scope of the challenge that ASD presents and the extent of service deficits we have in Ireland, it is important that we crafted a meaningful vision to try and make a difference. Having consulted with members, there is a broad consensus that our Five Point Vision Plan is the template for moving forward. On the 2nd of April 2018, we will celebrate the 11th anniversary of World Autism Awareness Day and at the end of the month we are delighted to announce Blue Nose week from Monday April 23rd – Sunday April 29th. We are also delighted to have partnered with Heartbeat FM Radio Services and come up with a very exciting joint initiative called Autism Radio, which will be proudly supported by G4S. This will be Ireland’s first ever specialist radio broadcast for the autism community, which will broadcast for 2 weeks in April. During this time, we will be organising a series of interviews on varied topics of importance to the community.” GBA17006 Contact Details Company: Autism Ireland Contact: Niall Murphy Address: Coole Road, Multyfarnham, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland Phone: 00353 44 9371680 Web Address: www.autismireland.ie